Norway officially changes the name of Belarus. Now the Norwegian country will be called "Belarus", not Hviterussland [literally - "White Russia"], stated by Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt, according to Radio Svoboda.
"We are doing this in solidarity with the Belarusian democratic movement, and so that the country is not perceived as a continuation of russia," she explained.
The name change was approved on the International Day of Solidarity with Belarus.
"I am glad that on this day we can announce the change of name and express our solidarity with the democratic forces in Belarus," said the Norwegian Foreign Minister. She said that she personally called Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who is considered the democratic leader of Belarus, and announced the change of name.
"She was happy and thanked for the decision," Huitfeldt said.
In 2019 the Swedish government also announced that it would officially use the name of Belarus instead of Vitryssland ["White Russia"]. This was also done to emphasize the sovereignty of this country and the national identity of Belarusians. Denmark has been officially using Belarus naming since 2021.
In early 2021, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis also stated his readiness to consider changing the name of "Belarus" if asked to do so.